By Prime Star 
Plumbing problems can turn into major repairs and major bills. In Australia where extreme climatic changes happens and water conservation are of utmost importance, plumbing maintenance is a must. Avoidance of leaks, clogs, and damages to your water system in the house comes from regular upkeeping. Here are ten useful plumbing maintenance tips that should be a norm for every Australian homeowner.
1. Inspect For Leaks Regularly
Though leaks may appear to be a minor problem, they can account for a colossal wastage of water in a lifetime. Given Australia’s dry climate and water restrictions in many parts, it is environmentally and financially critical to fix leaks immediately. Check your taps, pipes, and appliances for possible leaks. This includes looking for water damage under sinks, around toilets, and near your dishwasher and washing machine. A simple way to know whether hidden leaks exist is to cut off all water sources and check your water meter. If it just buzzes, even while you’re not using any water, then there has to be a leakage somewhere. Fixing leaks immediately will prevent water wastage and save you high plumbing costs later on.
2. Clogging Drains
Blocked drains rank among the most common plumbing problems in Australian homes. Clog typically occurs from grease, food scraps, hair, and soap. In older suburbs, tree roots are the major culprits causing the severe block. Make sure you don’t pour grease over the sink, coffee grounds, or food waste. Clog in bathroom drains will occur from the buildup of hair and soap scum as well. Drain strainers can catch hair and soap before it gets into the pipes. Bathroom drains, if allowed to develop a slow drain, can be flushed with a mixture of baking soda and vinegar, followed by hot water. Never use chemical drain cleaning agents, as they will eventually damage your pipes over time. If the natural unclogging doesn’t help, immediately call a professional plumber.
3. Check the Water pressure
An excess of water pressure might harm your plumbing systems, whereas a lack of water pressure could mean blockages or supply issues. Different regions of Australia experience varied water pressure levels, while some urbanized areas exist with fluctuating pressure. High water pressure might weaken and burst pipes. Low water pressure may cause slow flows from the taps and showers. Get a simple guage from a hardware store and measure the water pressure.
Ideal water pressure should be within 40-60 psi. If it’s too high, you can keep the pressure down by installing a pressure-reducing valve. This saves your plumbing from being overworked and helps your appliances last longer.
4. Winter-proof Your Pipes
Although Australia does not have freezing winter like Europe or North America, its colder regions will find temperatures dropping below freezing point: Tasmania, Victoria and the Blue Mountains. Ice expands within water pipes and cracks them. This gives a little bit of protection to prevent freezing if you would insulate exposed pipes in garages, basements, and outside. In particular, when the temperature is chilly, flowing a little water will prevent pipes from freezing. Please thaw them gently with a hair dryer or warm towels. Insulation against freezing for your pipes is an affordable investment against heart-stopping water damage repair costs.
5. Cleaning your Hot Water System
A hot water system needs to be serviced every now and then for its efficiency. As time passes, sediment builds up in the tank and for this reason; the performance goes down and it tends to become more energy-consuming. When the tank is flushed out on an annual basis, the debris collected will be flushed away, extending its life span. The setting of storage water heaters should be near 60°C to deter bacteria growth; an instant one’s setting evolves automatically. Rusty water and difficulty in getting the hot water could indicate that the rod inside the tank has to be changed. Regular service checks by a licensed plumber can ensure the efficient running and longevity of a hot water system.
6. Remember What Goes Down the Drain
Australian plumbing systems are meant for human waste and toilet paper only. Flushing wet wipes, paper towels, cotton buds, and feminine hygiene products will cause serious plumbing problems. Even ‘flushable’ wipes do not break down completely, often contributing to sewer blockages. Never put grease or food scraps down the toilet or sink because they will solidify and block pipes. If your toilet flushes slowly or is backing up, that surely points to an impending blockage. If remember what you flush, you will save a lot thus avoiding very costly plumbing repairs and damage to the local sewer system.
7. Maintenance of Your Garbage Disposal (If Any)
Garbage disposals, or insinkerators, are not as common in Australia as in some other countries, but you will still find a few in the homes. Proper maintenance is the key in the United States to ensure the disposal remains in good working condition. Always remember to run cold water while using the disposal, lest grease solidifies inside it. Never put fibrous food like celery, onion skins, or potato peels in a disposal because they can tangle the blades. Grinding ice cubes and citrus peels helps clean the blades and remove smells. If your disposal is jammed, pushing the reset button under the unit can sometimes take care of the issue. Keeping it clean frequently will keep it in shape and prevent unpleasant odours.
8. Hire a Certified Plumber for an Inspection
Certain plumbing problems, even with regular maintenance, are best attended to by a licensed Australian plumber. This involves looking for hidden leaks, intrusions of tree roots, and potential problems prior to these becoming expensive repairs. The plumber has the right equipment to diagnose drainage issues, corrosion, and hot water system problems. If properly serviced, your plumbing installation will remain in good working order and compliant under Australian plumbing regulations. Since DIY plumbing is illegal most of the time in Australia, one has to seek professional help for major repairs and installations. Annual plumbing checkups can actually save you a dime in the long run by preventing emergencies.
Final Thoughts
Being proactive with regular plumbing service saves you both money and water. The constant climatic differences and environmental issues in Australia add to the importance of regular repair activities. These maintenance tips alone should help you avoid future large plumbing troubles and ensure the good running of your water system. Call in a licensed plumber with your frequent plumbing troubles. Regular maintenance is a small price for saving lots of future dollars and getting a good night’s sleep.
team